Women’s underwear served two purposes in the century. The hoops were also made of linen and stiffened with whalebone or cane. They shaped the petticoat of the gown to the appropriate silhouette.

A shot mauve/grey silk robe a la polonaise late with boned, low pointed back panels, internal skirt loops, the sleeves applied with double tiered embroidered muslin engageants; together with a modern stomacher Provenance: the late Harry Matthews.